Men's health and fitness-related technology use and its link with disordered eating

Abstract

The use of health- and fitness-related technology has been growing exponentially over the past few years. Various advantages have been associated with these types of technologies, and it has been said to inspire behaviours and attitudes related to health- and fitness. However, several researchers have recently been interested in the possible risks in using these types of technologies: more specifically the link that it may have with disordered eating. Within the South African context, no research could be found relating to this topic, whereas several international research studies identified a lack of male representation in their sample population as one of their study limitations. Based on this, the aim of this quantitative research study was to investigate if there is a possible link between the use of health- and fitness-related technology and disordered eating in a sample of males living in South Africa. Potential participants were recruited via social media platforms, where they willingly agreed to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included items related to demographic information and their health- and fitness-related behaviour, as well as the Eating Disorder Assessment for Men (EDAM). Data collection was closely followed by statistical data analysis, which included both descriptive (e.g. percentages, mean, standard deviation, etc.) and inferential statistics (e.g. t-tests). The findings were presented in article format as set out by the journal Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, guidelines. This article will also be submitted for potential publication after the examination of the mini-dissertation. The findings for this study indicated that there is a statistically significant difference in the mean scores for males that use (users) health- and fitness-related technology and those

who do not (non-users) with regards to body dissatisfaction. In other research studies, body dissatisfaction has been described as a potential risk factor for triggering and maintaining disordered eating amongst males. A link between body dissatisfaction and using calorie counting applications (apps) was also found when analysing and interpreting the data for this study. Certain health- and fitness-related technology, which - in this case - was calorie counting apps, can be utilised by males as a strategy to relieve anxiety, related to experiencing body dissatisfaction. It was concluded that these findings should be considered when focusing on the identification and treatment of disordered eating in males.